Beaches · South of Patong, by boat or a steep path
Freedom Beach
A crescent of about 300 m south of Patong, quieter than its neighbours, reached by longtail or down a steep path.
Access
On foot from the road
Entry
Small entry fee
Time to allow
Half a day
Best time
December to March, when boats run and the sea is calm
Why go
For a cove you have to work for, ten minutes by boat from the busiest beach on the island and much quieter than it.
What you will find
A crescent of sand of about 300 m south of Patong, with one restaurant and, according to one guide, basic toilets.
Getting there
By longtail (a long-tail boat) from the southern end of Patong, about 10 minutes, for around 1,000 to 1,500 baht return for the boat, mainly from December to May.
Or on foot down a steep path with ropes, 15 to 30 minutes, and harder on the way back up. Walkers are asked for a fee, 100 or 200 baht depending on the guide; boat arrivals are not.
Before you go
In the monsoon the boats stop when the sea is rough and the path turns slippery. We could not confirm lifeguard cover, and one person has drowned here in three years, according to provincial figures.
Common questions
How do you get to Freedom Beach?
By longtail from the southern end of Patong, about 10 minutes, mainly from December to May, or on foot down a steep path with ropes. Walkers are asked for a small fee.
Can you go to Freedom Beach in the monsoon?
It is best not to: boats stop when the sea is rough, and the path is slippery.